Marcus Fiege, head of steering wheel development at Mercedes-Benz, said, “The sensors on the front and back of the rim register whether the steering wheel is being held. No more steering movement is required to signal the assistance systems that the vehicle is under control.”

He added, “The system automatically recognizes where the finger is at any given moment. And the buttons are designed for temperatures of over 100°C.”

The size of the steering wheel is the same as the previous generation.

Hans-Peter Wunderlich, creative director, interior design, Mercedes-Benz, said, “The steering wheel rim is the secret kingmaker of a steering wheel. Its geometric design is a science in itself that cannot be found in any textbook. The wreath must fit snugly in the hand. If it is a millimeter too much, it feels unpleasantly bulging. If it’s a millimeter too little, it feels like it’s starved. And that impression then clouds the overall feel of the car.”